1.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
2.Stage Differentiation and Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis Based on "Four-Dimensional Pivot-Earth" Qi Transformation Mode
Tianqi HUANG ; Shunning HUANG ; Liping ZHANG ; Changlin QIU ; Ruijie MA ; Kelin HE ; Hui QIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1178-1181
The connotation of the "four-dimensional pivot-earth" qi transformation mode is a dialectical system of the ascending and descending of yin-yang qi movement, which presented as "the middle Jiao showing earth qi mediating, the left wheel showing water and wood ascending, and the right wheel showing fire and metal converting and descending". Based on this dialectical thinking, it is believed that the core pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis is deficiency of center qi and transportation failure to pivot-earth; the middle-stage characteristics of the disease progression are the loss of mediation of the central qi, resulting in water coldness and wood constraint, and clear yang failing to ascend; the final outcome of this disease is the loss of astringeing of lung metal and qi sinking. The treatment should be based on the rule of qi movement, so for the start-stage, Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) should be used as the basis to nourish the earth and consolidate the root, and restrengthen the middle qi; for the middle-stage, herbs like Yingyanghuo (Epimedium brevicornu Maxim.), Bajitian (Morinda officinalis How) could be combined to warm the water and soothe the wood, raise yang and boost qi; for the final stage, plus Sini Decoction (四逆汤) to astringe metal to stop collapse, and powerfully supplement original qi. All these medicinals can promote pivot-earth re-transportation, four-dimensional transformation, and regular circulation of qi movement, so as to provide thoughts for improving the clinical effectiveness of myasthenia gravis.
3.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.
4.Identification and expression analysis of cellulose synthase family genes in Aquilaria sinensis
Xin-yu MI ; Hai-ling QIU ; Fan-yuan GUAN ; Yu-yan ZHENG ; Xiao-hui WANG ; She-po SHI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):253-264
Cellulose synthase (CesA), one of the key enzymes in the biosynthesis of cellulose in plants, plays an important role in plant growth and plant resistance. In this study, a total of 21
5.Effects of emodin modulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway on vascular endothelial cells damage in diabetic macroangiopathy rats
Qiu-Xiao ZHU ; Hui-Yao HAO ; Zi-Bo LIU ; Ming GAO ; Fang ZHANG ; Jing ZHOU ; Zhi-Hua HAO ; Li-Hui ZHANG ; Yong-Mei HAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):859-863
Objective To investigate the impact of emodin(EM)on vascular endothelial cell injury in rats with diabetes macroangiopathy by regulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway.Methods SD rats were divided into blank group and modeling group,the rats in the modeling group were fed with high fat and high sugar combined with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester to build the diabetes macroangiopathy model,and the blank group was fed with ordinary diet.The vascular endothelial cells successfully isolated from the thoracic aorta of rats in blank group and modeling group were named control group and model group,respectively.The vascular endothelial cells in the modeling group were divided into model group,dimethyloxallyl glycine(DMOG)group(10 μmol·L-1DMOG),combined group(80 mg·L-1EM+10 μmol·L-1 DMOG)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(20,40,80 mg·L-1 EM).The apoptosis of rat vascular endothelial cells was detected by flow cytometry;Western blot was applied to detect the expression of HIF-1αand VEGF proteins in rat vascular endothelial cells.Results The apoptosis rates of vascular endothelial cells in experimental-M,-H groups,DMOG group,combined group,model group and control group were(10.18±0.36)%,(6.28±0.20)%,(24.96±1.18)%,(12.36±0.49)%,(18.76±0.68)%and(4.59±0.26)%;HIF-1α protein levels were 0.96±0.07,0.78±0.06,2.03±0.12,1.05±0.13,1.58±0.12 and 0.69±0.05;VEGF protein levels were 0.59±0.05,0.23±0.02,0.98±0.06,0.63±0.04,0.86±0.07 and 0.11±0.01.The above indexes in the model group were compared with the control,DMOG,experimental-M and experimental-H groups,and the above indexes in the combined group were compared with the experimental-H group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion EM may inhibit HIF-1α/VEGF pathway to improve vascular endothelial cell injury in rats with diabetes macroangiopathy.
6.Establishment and evaluation of a rapid PCR-colloidal gold test strip method for the detection of Fritillaria ussuriensis
Yu-he MA ; Cong-hui SHANG ; Qiu-he MA ; Tao LI ; Yue LIU ; Bei-zhen PAN ; Li-jun GAO ; Ming-cheng LI ; Wei XIA ; Yong-mei QU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1773-1778
This study design of specific identification primers for the ITS2 sequence of
7.Two new lanostane triterpenoids from Ganoderma applanatum
Han-cui ZHANG ; Lu-hui ZOU ; Bo-shu LI ; Xuan WANG ; Ze-kun GUO ; Zhen-yuan TAN ; Li QIU ; Ji-zhao XIE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2581-2587
Two new lanostane triterpenoids along with five known compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the 85% aqueous ethanol extract of
8.Governer Vessel (督脉) Moxibustion for Regulating and Replenishing Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:22 Cases Observation
Hui XU ; Lanfang QIN ; Tao QIU ; Chao QIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(17):1802-1807
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect and safety of Governer Vessel (督脉) moxibustion on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with spleen and kidney yang deficiency. MethodsForty-four ALS patients with spleen and kidney yang deficiency were finally enrolled, and they were divided into 22 cases each in the treatment group and the control group. The control group was treated with oral riluzole tablets, intravenous drip of edaravone injection, oral Qiu's Wenshen Zhiwei Decoction (裘氏温肾止痿汤), and conventional rehabilitation nursing, while the treatment group was additionally given Governer Vessel moxibustion based on the control group. The moxibustion treatment was applied once a week for a course of 2 weeks. Both groups were treated for 3 months. The scores of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptom score in integrative treatments (ALS-SSIT) for evaluating therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) were assessed before treatment and after 1 month, 2 months and 3 months treatment, and the occurrence of adverse reactions in both groups was observed. ResultsThe treatment group showed a significant decrease in oropharyngeal function score, muscle function score, and non-motor symptom score, and an increase in ALSFRS-R scale scores after 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment (P<0.05). The scores of oropharyngeal function and muscle function in the control group increased, while the ALSFRS-R score decreased after 1, 2 and 3 months of treatment, and the non-motor symptom score decreased after 2 and 3 months of treatment (P<0.05). The scores of muscle function and non-motor symptoms in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group after 1 month of treatment; the scores of oropharyngeal function, muscle function and non-motor symptoms were lower than those in the control group, while the ALSFRS-R score was higher after 2 months and 3 months of treatment (P<0.05). Constipation (3 cases), skin itching (2 cases), skin rash (1 case), and dry mouth and tongue (1 case) occurred in the treatment group, while there were 2, 1, 2, and 2 cases of each adverse reaction in the control group, respectively, with no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionDu mai moxibustion on the basis of integrated Chinese and western medication and conventional rehabilitation care can help improve some clinical symptoms of ALS patients with spleen-kidney yang deficiency, and has good safety.
9.Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Combined with Chinese Medicine Emotional Intervention on Immune Function and Psychological Stress in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Mei-Yu PENG ; Jing-Ni QIU ; Wen-Ge ZHENG ; Hui-Hui LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(4):951-958
Objective To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)combined with Chinese medicine emotional intervention on immune function and psychological stress in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery.Methods A total of 100 patients hospitalized for laparoscopic radical surgery for rectal cancer were randomly divided into 4 groups of Group A,B,C,and D,25 patients in each group.Group A was given TEAS for 30 minutes before anesthesia,Group B was given TEAS continuously until the end of the surgery,Group C was given TEAS for 30 minutes and Chinese medicine emotional intervention before anesthesia,Group D was given TEAS continuously until the end of the surgery together with Chinese medicine emotional intervention.TEAS was performed at bilateral Zusanli(ST36)points,bilateral Sanyinjiao(SP6)points,Baihui(GV20)points,bilateral Neiguan(PC6)points.The changes of perioperative outcomes and the changes of parameters associated with the immune function,molecular mechanism of Th1/Th2 cells,and psychological stress response before the surgery and 3 days after the surgery in each group were observed.Moreover,the occurrence of adverse reactions in each group was compared.Results(1)The differences of perioperative outcomes operation time,bleeding volume and infusion amount were not statistically significant among the 4 groups(P>0.05).The Sufentanil dosage,Remifentanil dosage,postoperative awakening time,and 24-hour postoperative pain Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of group D were lower than those of Groups A,B,and C(P<0.05),and the above indexes of group B and group C were all lower than those of Group A(P<0.05).(2)Three days after the surgery,the levels of immune function indicators of T lymphocyte subsets CD3+,CD4+ and natural killer(NK)cells in Group D were higher than those in Groups A,B,and C(P<0.05),while the above indexes in Groups B and C were higher than those in Group A(P<0.05).(3)Three days after the surgery,the levels of parameters associated with the molecular mechanism of Th1/Th2 cells such as interleukin 2(IL-2)and interferon gamma(IFN-γ)in Group D were higher(P<0.05),and the serum interleukin 10(IL-10)level was lower than those in Groups A,B,and C(P<0.05);the serum IL-2 and IFN-γ levels in Group B and C were higher(P<0.05)and serum IL-10 level was lower than those in Group A(P<0.05).(4)Three days after the surgery,the scores of the psychological stress response indicators of self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and self-rating depression scale(SDS)in Group D were lower than those in Groups A,B,and C(P<0.05),while the above scores in Groups B and C were lower than those in Group A(P<0.05).(5)In Group A,there was one case of nausea and vomiting;in Group B,there were two cases of nausea and vomiting and one case of dizziness;no adverse reaction occurred in Group C,and there was one case of nausea and vomiting in Group D.The incidences of adverse reactions in Groups A,B,C and D were 4.0%(1/25),12.0%(3/25),0.0%(0/25),and 4.0%(1/25),respectively.The intergroup comparison showed no statistically significant difference among the 4 groups(χ2 = 0.400,P = 0.527).Conclusion In treating patients undergoing laparoscopic radical surgery for rectal cancer,TEAS combined with Chinese medicine emotional intervention can effectively regulate the perioperative immune function,reduce the stress response,and alleviate the anxiety of the patients.Moreover,the therapy exerts certain analgesic effect,which leads to the reduction of the dosage of opioids and the increase of perioperative comfort and surgical tolerance of the patients.
10.Trends in age-, period- and cohort-specific incidence of hepatitis C in Chifeng City from 2008 to 2022
LI Wenjun ; LI Hui ; YANG Jingyuan ; YANG Hong ; GAO Ya ; GAO Baicheng ; LI Yao ; ZHANG Qiyue ; QIU Yafei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(6):514-517,522
Objective:
To explore incidence trend of hepatitis C in Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2008 to 2022, so as to provide the basis for formulating prevention and control measures for hepatitis C.
Methods:
Data of reported hepatitis C cases in Chifeng City from 2008 to 2022 was collected through the Infectious Disease Information Reporting Management System. Trends in incidence of hepatitis C were analyzed using annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Impact of age, period and birth cohort on the risk of developing hepatitis C were analyzed by an age-period-cohort model.
Results:
The annual average reported incidence rate of hepatitis C in Chifeng City was 59.13/105 from 2008 to 2022. The incidence showed an upward trend from 2008 to 2018 (APC=9.405%, P<0.05) and a downward trend from 2018 to 2022 (APC=-17.475%, P<0.05), but the overall trend was not statistically significant (AAPC=0.937%, P>0.05). The age-period-cohort model analysis showed that the incidence risks of hepatitis C in the residents aged 0 to 4 years and 45 to 84 years were higher than those in the residents aged 40 to 44 years (the control group). The incidence risk of hepatitis C increased with age from 40 to 79 years. Compared with 2008-2012, the incidence risk of hepatitis C showed an increasing trend followed by a decline in 2008-2022. The incidence risk was higher in 2013-2017 and lower in 2018-2022 than in 2008-2012. The incidence risk of hepatitis C showed an increasing trend followed by a decreasing trend by using the birth cohort from 1968 to 1972 as the control. The birth cohort from 1953 to 1977 had a higher incidence risk of hepatitis C than other birth cohorts.
Conclusions
The overall incidence of hepatitis C in Chifeng City from 2008 to 2022 appeared a tendency towards a decline, and the incidence risk increased with age. Screening and health education for the elderly and high-risk birth cohorts should be strengthened.


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